I'm new here and would appreciate some help on determining the breeding of this dog I'm considering for adoption (see pictures)...

He's a "young" male, suspected Lab/Collie mix, weighing about 70lbs. He's described as having 'no hound character traits', which I think is why he was listed as Lab/collie. He's also described as being very smart (ie can open latches and doors) and generally quiet and calm. We're located in the Southern US (read: rural).

"UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED"
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
-Unknown

There is absolutely hound in this dog.
Whatever the mix, absolutely gorgeous.
If in doubt, there are DNA tests you can purchase. If the breeds within your dog are indentified (not all breeds are), then there is a good chance you will know. Based on this, you will be able to perhaps understand your dog's needs, behaviours and characteristics.

Thanks for all the input. For some reason, I never would have thought of the gryehound/whippet angle. (Probably as he's coming from a Beagle and Dalmation Rescue - who also have lots of other breeds). I've 'googled' a few of the mixes and they all look pretty similar. Guess I'll never know! (Unless I get that DNA test - but so far, it hasn't come to that!)

We adopted his 100% hound 'kennel' mate last year, and I'm thinking long and hard about a second dog. Both were suggested to us for their quiet, calm nature (and we know they get along!). However, I've had some challenges training our first real hound dog, so I was hoping that this guy is more 'non-hound' than hound... (According to the Rescue, he acts more "non-hound"). Guess I'll have to find out!

I have never owned a hound dog, but I'm sure there are many challenged breeds out there anyway. Example, I have two high prey terrier dogs....that's a challenge too!!! Herding dogs can be ankle nippers, etc...This dog is a mix breed so I'm sure it can be less intense for instincts. And I love having two dogs esp if one dog is established and you can concentrate on the new addition.

I just got to meet this dog in person.
He's not as tall as the pictures suggest.
He's NOT short coupled - has a very long back and long tail.
His leg bones and tail look thicker than in the picture (perhaps he filled out with a little more muscle after being in the kemmel?).
The rescue said that he was very fat, and already neutered when they found him! The mystery continues...

Right now, I am leaning towards adoption, and giving both our "Heinz 57" dogs DNA tests for their 'birthdays' - or I guess I should say adoption anniversaries!

Those DNA tests are a gimmick, they have proven to not be consistent. I saw an article on it (TV or online I can't remember) that had blood from ONE dog sent in THREE times and got totally different answers. I think the trouble is that so many different breed were used to develop each "pure" breed many years ago so the DNA isn't particularly defined.

My Sparky is 4 years old (Dec 7th 2007), pure bred Pomeranian from a bad past. Got him when he was too young -found out later-. He has a laundry list of medical problems, but we're working to get him in tip-top shape!